Sunday, April 23, 2017

Lake Life :: Como

There is nothing like sitting in an old town square, next to a lake and slowly watching life go by. You can feel the relaxation seep through you in waves as you slowly exhale and soak in the sun.

I have heard about Lake Como over the years, and somehow expected it to be more of a scene given all the celebrity sightings and talk of secret Mafia meetings. It was nothing as I imagined. I did not see George fly by in a speed boat, or anyone from the Versace Villa sit and sip an Aperol Spritz in the town square, which by the way, is my new favorite summer drink. It looks a bit like orange Kool-Aid, and I couldn't get over that I saw absolutely everyone drinking it from wine glasses? It took me awhile to figure out exactly what it was (Prosecco with Campari), but by the end of the trip it had become my go-to drink. 

The main center of this idyllic town was not crowded, but still quite active with people enjoying local cafes or shopping. Perhaps it was the time of year? I kept hearing that it was unseasonably warm. It was in the high 70s while we were there, but apparently it is typically in the low 60s this time of year which might be still a bit cold for lake life. Whatever the reason, we seemed to hit this little town at just the right moment in time. Everything was in bloom, the weather was perfect and there was room to breathe.

Across the water from the main square, you can see the villas of the aristocrats scale up the hillside. Lake Como has been a popular retreat for the wealthy since Roman times, and you could feel that in the architecture. A stroll through the narrow back streets that surround the square open up to a secondary square with the local cathedral built in 1396 in a Gothic style. It was simple, yet stunning, and nowhere near as ornate as other European cities. But it commanded the skyline giving it a beautiful focal to the town. As you can see I simply fell in love with this little town and cannot wait to go back for another visit. 

11 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures of lake como

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  2. Too bad you didn't see George but I'm glad you had a lovely time there! I'd love to go there one day too! Italy is my dream destination!

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  3. Glad you enjoyed your stay and you certainly chose the best time to visit! Over here the drink is called Campari Spritz, which I do enjoy in summer :)

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  4. Lake Como looks so relaxing! Aperol Spritz sounds like a perfect summer beverage while sitting outside on a hot summer day.

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  5. Sounds so idyllic! Also made me think of that old crooner Perry Como. I wonder if his family was originally from that town/region of Italy?

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  6. Gorgeous! when I hear the name Lake Como I always think of the movie 'Gaslight'. If you've never seen it, I recommend it. I know Lake Como is mentioned at the beginning, I believe that's where Charles Boyer takes Ingrid Bergman on their honeymoon before moving back to London.

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  7. So beautiful! I know someone else who's visited Lake Como and they seemed ready to move back forever! I haven't been to Europe in ages and it's so far from Hawaii it will probably be a few more years.

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  8. Nice post. Beautiful pictures. The Daily Mail article was interesting. I wish I had an answer to the migrant problems. Seems there are just too many people on the planet. Here in SB the homeless population seems to evoke a similar range of responses.

    Wonderful adventure you're having. Of course a Clooney sighting would have been great, something to look forward to on your return trip. Next time stuff me in your suitcase :-)

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  9. I can tell how thoroughly you enjoyed this visit, as you are gushing :-D I don't think I have heard you gush before. So glad it struck such a wonderful chord in you!

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  10. Sounds so beautiful! I would love to go visit!! So happy to hear that you enjoyed yourself so much! Big Hugs!

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  11. Seems like you had really great time there! I also keep this beautiful place in my must-visit list, although hitherto I have never seen the Como lake :)

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